HURTIGRUTEN Cruises today announced a refurbishment program for four of its coastal ships, which will undergo a “total makeover” next year.

The company is already in the process of upgrading the recently acquired MS Spitsbergen which will operate on the Norwegian coastal route next summer.

The other vessels being made over include MS Polarlys, MS Kong Harald, MS Nordkapp and MS Nordnorge, all of which will be fitted with a “modern Scandinavian interior” reflecting the Arctic coastal landscapes.

Hurtigruten has also confirmed that Spitsbergen will operate a new cruise concept when she debuts on 08 May 2016, plotting a parallel route alongside the MS Lofoten but not stopping overnight, meaning there is more time to spend in selected ports during the daylight hours.

Spitsbergen will also offer the Coastal Expedition concept with a lecture program, regular hikes and expedition team on board.